Did the nikah end by running away with a Harijan?

Question

Question: Zayd’s wife Sajida, a mother of three children, ran away with a Harijan (a name for Hindus of the lowest, “untouchable” castes). Bakr and his wife were also party to her running away; Bakr and his wife kept Sajida hidden for three days. Does Sajida now remain in Zayd’s nikah or not? Sajida has now been caught.

Answer

If the matter is as stated, then Bakr is a sinner, his wife is a sinner, and Sajida is a sinner; all of them must repent and seek forgiveness (istighfar). Despite this vile act, Sajida has not left Zayd’s nikah. If, God forbid, having gone there she also worshipped an idol and the like, then together with renewal of faith (tajdid al-iman)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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